Matador Blog

In the never ending pursuit of new, interesting, and mind blowing new materials and processes, we have amassed what can only be defined as a dictionary of everything equipment related. Since we have found this resource so helpful, we wanted to share it with fellow Travel Hard™ enthusiasts and equipment junkies.  We update this resource constantly, and you can always find...

Vitamin B If you’re like us, you probably land at your destination with a packed schedule and don’t have much time to be tired. Vitamin B is great for boosting energy and getting over jetlag.  One of the (many) active ingredients in 5 Hour Energy, you can skip the jitters that come with the energy drink alternatives and chew on...

Derek, Sales ManagerWhat are you gifting this year? Flatpak Toiletry Case Who are you giving it to? Anyone I know Why it makes a great gift: It’s great for those who actually travel and want to use it for its intended build purpose, or to anyone else that might use it for other purposes ie- storage/organization catch all to carry...

We rounded up some of our favorite lesser known alternatives to popular travel destinations. These spots have all the appeal (if not more) with a fraction of the crowds. Instead of Rocky Mountain National Park, try Indian Peaks Wilderness Don’t get us wrong, Rocky Mountain National Park is an incredible place, and from our HQ here in Boulder, we’re lucky...

Over the past year, Gear Patrol, Popular Mechanics, and HiConsumption put hundreds of backpacks through rigorous testing, ultimately looking for the best hiking backpack of 2021. Matched up against some of the biggest companies in the outdoor industry, in a competitive field filled with heavily-featured frame packs, the Beast18—a packable backpack—topped all three lists. Packability without compromise is something you'll...

Maybe it’s the fact that it’s still 90 degrees where we are in Colorado, or maybe it’s because we just upgraded our most waterproof packs and we want to put them to good use. Either way, we’ve been dreaming of some big travel objectives on the water and want to share the stoke. Here are 5 water-objective-based trips you should...

For many well-seasoned, outdoor oriented travelers planning a ground up trip to an unpublished, unknown objective is a bucket list peak experience. As our National Parks and outdoor spaces get more and more crowded, the experience can feel more curated than ever. Antelope canyon has escape ladders bolted in the walls, Half Dome has cables up the steep part, folks...

We took the new Advanced Series to Alaska to put the bags through some thorough testing on real objectives we've had our eyes on. Check out the new collection here.